French Mistral carrier visits Dakar for military exercises

The French amphibious helicopter carrier Mistral is conducting a five-day port call in Dakar, Senegal, from October 2 to October 6, 2026. The visit serves as a platform for joint military exercises between the French and Senegalese armed forces, focusing on coordinating complex land, air, and maritime operations.

These exercises include tactical maneuvers and expertise exchanges between staff officers. Activities are being held in Dakar and at the Mont-Rolland training center in Thiès. The training scenarios address regional security challenges in the Sahel and West Africa, such as combating illicit trafficking, managing humanitarian crises, and securing coastal zones.

French Ambassador to Senegal, Christine Fages, described the arrival of the Mistral as a symbol of a “renewed partnership” and a “new wind” in military cooperation between the two nations. The visit is seen as an effort to redefine and consolidate strategic military ties following the departure of permanent French forces from Senegal a year ago.